We throw around the phrase casually all the time. “I’m addicted to sugar.” But in all seriousness, scientists believe sugar to be truly addictive. As Dr. Frank Lippman ascerts in his recent article, like traditionally abused substances, such as alcohol and nicotine, the false high produced by sugar can deter our self-control, and cause... Read more

Start getting your kids in the spirit of Chanukah with these coloring pages: From Aish.com (PDF). From Chabad.org. From Torah Tots.  Read More

Thanks to Lea Gould of Monsey, NY for sharing this recipe! Ingredients: 1 bag shredded red cabbage 1 shredded carrot 1/2 cup crushed chowmein noodles 1/2 container bean sprouts 1 handful crushed cashews Dressing- 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 2 teaspoons sugar Juice from 1 lemon Directions: Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix... Read more

Purchase a $100 gift card for Amazon thru Ebillme and you’ll be eligible for a rebate of $15. Of course Amazon gift cards make great gifts, or keep it for yourself and shop our favorite products here. This deal also applies to gift cards for Zappos, JC Penney Home Depot and Dell. Ebillme allows you to shop debt free by paying cash (via your bank)... Read more

We are inspired by Creative Jewish Mom’s handmade holiday gifts and decorations. Follow the project links for detailed instructions. There may not be enough time to crochet scarves to keep loved ones warm, but simple pleasures such as crocheted washcloths will touch their hearts. Crochet pouches to fill with gelt or small gifts. Button and bead... Read more

This soup is the perfect match for crispy fried potato latkes. Try it this Chanukah! Ingredients: 3 Granny Smith apples 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced 1-1/4 pounds parsnips, peeled and sliced 1-1/4 teaspoons coriander 5 cups vegetable broth Garnish- Diced apple Plain yogurt Directions: Peel and core the apples, then cut them into chunks.... Read more

The Yeshiva Boys Choir will be releasing a new album called YBC 5 Chanukah just in time for…. Chanukah! The new album, which is the choir’s fifth, features nine new songs including two Chanukah medleys. Update – Here is a sampler of the new album courtesy of JewishInsights.com:  Read More

Thanks to Gil Marks, author of Encyclopedia of Jewish Food for sharing this recipe! Cholent kugel is a dumpling similar to a knaidel, dating back to the Twelfth Century, which is cooked in the Shabbos stew. In Eastern Europe, these dumplings were referred to as “Shabbos Ganif” (thief) since they “stole” flavor from the cholent.... Read more

Savvima.com has learned that a new weekly magazine will be launching in the next few weeks. Ami Magazine is being launched by Rabbi Yitzchok and Rechy Frankfurter, both of whom previously had editorial positions at Mishpacha Magazine. The magazine is aiming to set itself apart by catering to the interests of readers from across the spectrum of the... Read more

Thanks to Gil Marks, author of Encyclopedia of Jewish Food for sharing this recipe! Gundi is a cross between a dumpling and meatball. The most popular type is made from chicken and roasted chickpea flour. They are traditional in chicken soup for Shabbos dinner. Ingredients: Meatballs- 1 pound ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or lean veal; or 8 ounces... Read more

Thanks to Susie Fishbein, author of Kosher by Design Teens and 20-Somethings for sharing this recipe! You can buy dried rosemary already crushed, but if yours isn’t, put 1 teaspoon regular dried rosemary on a cutting board and chop finely with your knife. Ingredients: 1 1⁄2 pounds small red baby bliss or fingerling potatoes with skin, brushed clean... Read more

Those with little girls may be happy to know that Morah Music is releasing her fourth album in the next 2 weeks, just in time for Chanukah, entitled Music and Movement Vol 4 with Fun and Games Galore! Click here to listen to the first song on the album, “Welcome”. The album can be purchased in your local Judaica store or online.  Read More

Thanks to Shira Buzelan of Maaleh Adumim, Israel for sharing this recipe! Ingredients: 400 ml (13.5 oz.) parve whipping cream (Rich’s) 1 cup parve coffee whitener 1/4 cup single malt scotch 1 vanilla bean pod 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix Directions: Whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form and slowly add the coffee whitener. Add... Read more

UPDATE: Congratulations to Michelle Brodman, winner of the cookbook  giveaway This post features: A Savvima review of Encyclopedia of Jewish Food by Gil Marks. A chance to be entered to win a free copy of the Encyclopedia of Jewish Food by submitting your favorite Chanukah-related recipe(s) – think donuts, latkes, dairy dishes,... Read more

The George Foreman GRV80 Contemporary Grill with an extended handle is on sale at Amazon for $26 and free shipping. This Foreman is family-sized and has an 80 square inch grilling surface. It comes with dishwasher safe accessories include a spatula and drip tray. Click here to purchase.  Read More

Thanks to Susie Fishbein, author of Kosher by Design Teens and 20-Somethings for sharing this recipe! I have always been a fan of roasting any vegetable at a high heat to caramelize its natural sugars. This fantastic side dish goes a step further by adding a spicy kick that makes these carrots addictive. Ingredients: 6  large carrots, peeled, ends... Read more

Thanks to Susie Fishbein, author of Kosher by Design Teens and 20-Somethings for sharing this recipe! This sweet and creamy combination was famous at sandwich shops across the country in the 1950s. Ingredients: 8  slices soft white bread 1/4 cup reduced-fat creamy or crunchy peanut butter 1  small banana, very thinly sliced 4  large eggs 3  tablespoons... Read more

Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, and cut into chunks 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into chunks 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into chunks 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic salt & pepper Mixed field greens Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced Mauzone Balsamic Vinaigrette Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a large... Read more

Upcycling household trash into useful objects… Miraculous. Transforming empty drink pouches into simple gelt purses… A “priceless” craft to celebrate the miracle of Chanukah. Show off the packaging to be eco-chic or hide it for a perfect shiny background for Chanukah embellishments. Materials: Scissors Two foil drink pouches Hole... Read more

As the busy holiday shopping season approaches retailers are beginning to vie for a competitive advantage. Starting today, Walmart is offering free shipping on its website, with no minimum purchase, on almost 60,000 gift items, including many toys and electronics. Target by contrast offers free shipping only with a $50 minimum purchase. The offer will... Read more